Over the years, the Porsche Macan, in all its variants, has sold over 600,000 units since 2014. Porsche proudly publicizes the fact that around 80% of all Macans bought are purchased by new Porsche customers. We had the pleasure of driving the brand-new Porsche Macan GTS, the crème de la crème of the range. It comes with increased performance, a sharper design, and all the opulence one would need.
The Lineup
In total there are three versions on the market. Starting with the standard Macan, it comes with the newly developed turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating a punchy 265 bhp. Going from 0 to 100 km/h is taken care of in 6.2 seconds, not lightning speed but let’s be honest, still enough to get your heart racing. The top speed stands at 232 km/h.
Next up is the Macan S, which harnesses a 2.9-liter V6 Biturbo engine, with 380 bhp. It will take just 4.6 seconds for the Macan S to bolt from 0-100 km/h. It’s top-speed is a very healthy 259 km/h.
The one at the top of the list is the sporty flagship, Macan GTS. It houses the same 2.9-liter V6 Biturbo engine as the S, however, the horsepower is significantly more with 440 bhp. It generates 550 N.m of torque. Should you opt for the Sport Chrono package, the 0 to 100 km/h will only take 4.3 seconds and over 200 in just over 17 seconds. The Macan GTS will max out at an astonishing 272 km/h.
All engines are coupled with the seven-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK) and the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel-drive system.
What’s new
Over the three days, we really put the Macan through its paces, driving it all over Dubai, while bearing in mind the unspoken gentleman’s word that we would not exceed 800 km during the test drive.
In terms of the drive, the optimization of the chassis has resulted in a more direct feel from road to steering wheel, making you feel more in control of the elements. Additional fine-tuning touches such as the re-adaptation of the damper characteristics of the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) now make it suit the Macan’s size, weight, and agility. It really transforms the drive quality.
The much-loved sport air suspension is now standard, which lowers the body by 10 millimeters. Furthermore, the air suspension is 10% more rigid on the front axle and 15% firmer on the rear axle compared with its predecessor, which means a much sportier feel, however somewhat of a trade-off in the smoothness of the ride.
The optional GTS Sport package comes with 21-inch GT design wheels and performance tires. It also includes our must-have Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus). The addition of the optional Sport Chrono package to the options list is a no-brainer for someone buying the Macan GTS.
The Exterior
The Macan line has always been a head-turner. For many it may look like a smaller version of its big brother, the Cayanne. But look a little closer, and you’ll see a whole other car. The Macan GTS has a redesigned nose finished in black, along with other elements. The version we drove has the 21-inch black alloys and red calipers; what a sight. There is a striking diffuser in the rear and great new lights that span the length of the car, optically giving it a wider and more aggressive stance. To the front, LED headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) are slightly darkened, giving them a smokey smoldering look. From the side, the Sport Design exterior mirrors complete the package.
The paint-job
The Macan we drove came in striking Papaya Metallic. With the GTS Sport, package clients can further choose from Gentian Blue Metallic, Python Green, and the one we had. If this is still not bespoke enough, then Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur can personalize the paint for you even more and add particular elements to your heart’s content.
The interior and Tech
Porsche is well aware that these days, tech is king. The Macan comes with an entirely new operating concept, which, like many others, has increased the touch element. However, I am glad to report that an abundance of buttons has survived in the Macan GTS. This is a real positive because the last thing a driver wants in a performance vehicle is oversensitive touch controls that drive you mad. #aircon controls of the Taycan.
As for the interior, the analog clock always adds a traditional Porsche touch and so do the analog dials. Two out of three in the instrument cluster have remained analog. The 10.9-inch full HD touch display controls the Porsche Communication Management which just keeps getting better and better. The GTS has 18-way sport seats, a Carbon interior package, and Race-Tex upholstery with extended leather elements.
Speed, handling, luxury, and soul. To sum it all up, the new Porsche Macan GTS is everything and more one would want from a crossover.
